PRACTICE NOTES - UPDATES

11/02/10

Provision of Services Regulations 2009
In force from 27 January 2010
This practice note advises on a new EU services directive which obliges solicitors to provide clients with information on their services over and above the requirements set out in the Solicitors' Code of Conduct. The directive was implemented into the UK via the Provisions of Services Regulations 2009 which came into force on 28 December 2009.
Provision of Services Regulations 2009 – 27 January 2010

Powers of attorney for banking
There are increasing difficulties with banking institutions accepting power of attorney documents as evidence of an attorney's authority to act on behalf of a donor. This practice note advises on the different powers of attorney that can be used when dealing with a bank.
Read the practice note

Client care and complaints management: updates
The client care letter and complaints management practice notes have been updated to reflect changes in the Code of Conduct, which come into force on 1 March 2010, and the implementation of the Provision of Services Regulations 2009.
Read the client care practice note
Read the complaints management practice note

Society acts on defendants' costs
The Law Society has filed a Judicial Review application in a bid to overturn new government regulations preventing successful defendants from recovering all their costs in criminal proceedings. We believe the new scheme is unlawful and grossly unfair. We have issued a practice note to assist solicitors representing successful criminal defendants in this situation.
Read the press release
Read the practice note